Probate Cost Archives - GP Schoemakers, PLLC

How to Minimize Legal Fees After Death

Death is a costly business. Aside from funeral expenses, legal fees can take a big chunk out of how much is left for your loved ones after you’re gone. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Careful planning can minimize the legal fees your loved ones will pay after you die. Here’s how: Make an estate plan – The cost of creating an estate plan will be far less than the legal fees your loved ones will have to pay if you don’t have one. But be careful – don’t try to write your own will or revocable living trust. [...]

Skyrocketing Probate Fees – Another Reason to Avoid Probate Court

As of July 1, 2015, Connecticut probate courts earned the dubious distinction of charging the highest probate fees in the U.S. Amazingly, the Connecticut legislature voted to completely cut general fund support for the state’s probate courts for the next two fiscal years, thereby creating a $32 million deficit. In order to cover the shortfall, the fees charged for settling a deceased person’s estate in Connecticut were significantly increased and the $12,500 cap on probate fees was eliminated. To make matters worse, these changes apply retroactively to all deaths dating back to January 1, 2015. As a result, it is estimated [...]